CHICAGO: IHD first 2nd Annual Member Meeting

[flip]

I think extrememoosetrax has dropped out

[okarol]

Right you are. 

[flip]

maybe I'll bring some of my cousins like in the old Patrick Swayze movie...I'll think of the name later, my CRS is acting up tonight.

[flip]

Next Of Kin (1989)

[Sluff]

Next Of Kin (1989)

I like the rattle snakes scene in the old school bus.

[paris]

Sluff and flip--you two are starting to worry me!    I am not sure how we will handle you both together live and in person!

[Sluff]

Well it's better than the graveyard scene..

[lola]

With everything going on Otto and I may not be able to make it. BUT i'm not giving up hope till then, I want to go sooooo bad.

[okarol]

Anyone ever do this?


Chicago At Sunset - Boat Tour

Heading directly onto Lake Michigan, a brilliant array of lights will come to life along the skyline. After a stunning sunset and relaxing trip along the lakefront, the boat will enter Monroe Harbor for a front row seat for the Buckingham Fountain Water and Lights Show.

The Chicago at Sunset Tour offers the opportunity to enjoy one of Chicago's most romantic and unique settings.

Adults $25. Seniors (age 65 and over) $22. Children (age 11 and under) $12. Infants (under age 3) No charge

http://www.wendellaboats.com/sunset.htm

[Chris]

Boy, senior get a whopping $3.00 price break, yet kids get $13 price break. Seems to me seniors should get a little more. Then again, I didn't major in economics and business.

[paris]

That and the Navy Pier are two ideas for Saturday night.  Relaxing, good views--- doesn't take much energy.   Sounds good to me.

And you are right Chris, seniors should get a better break!

[Jess21]

Most likely the sun will have gone down by the time dinner is done Saturday...Tinley Park is a still a bit of a hike from Chicago...an hour on train.

[Chris]

Yep, I hate those every stop trains. I love the expres trains, either there are 3 stops before mine or I'm the first stop. These days though, hard to get a seat with more people switching to commuter trains.

[paris]

Sluff suggested an early dinner, since we wanted plenty of time to visit.  Last year in Vegas, we could have used more time at dinner, so our reservations are for 4!  We know that seems kind of early, but by the time we meet, greet, eat, laugh and cry--it will be 7!  

Chris and Jess, can you two advice us on the best way, times and expense in getting downtown?  Is is better for all to go by train?  Or by cars?  Remembering some are in wheelchairs,or just can't walk long distances.   Any way to find out the price of parking by Navy Pier?   Thanks guys!  It helps having you two "on site".  

Also, who will have cars with them or renting cars?  We will rent a car at the airport.  We may have enough vehicles to transport all of us.   4 weeks!!

[Chris]

Metra, our commuter train has wheelchair accessible trains. As far as the train from Tinley Park, I never have been to that train station in Chicago. I use a different Metra commuter line that takes me into Union Station where I am familiar to where the elevators are to get outside. The Metra line I take offers a $5 weekend pass which is cheap compared to the weekly fee such as $4.75 for a one way ticket. There are weekend passes at the train station for the CTA buses in Chicago, which I think are also $5.00. I took a picture on my cell phone and need to download it. I would say the train is the best option for cost and convenience (less headache and hassle to driving in a town you never been to before) not to mention fuel savings.

[Jess21]

I take 4 trains a day...atleast my first train is a non stop!  Also, with this week being the forth of July, it's been fun avoiding (or the lack there of) all the Taste Of Chicago and Cross-town classic (Sox vs Cubs) people.  i feel like this.. lol  Especially with walking from Union station to lasalle st station (goes into tinley park).
Navy pier is 23 bucks a day parking.  Train (Tinley park has free parking if I remember at the station) is 5 bucks (Metra has a weekend pass). Buses are a couple bucks.  Driving is 31.1 miles (41 minutes) from hotel to navy pier.
Chris- the Lasalle St station has a elevator right next to the escalators going up to the platforms it's maybe 1/5 the size of Union Station.

[Chris]

Forgot about the parking fee in Chicago, wholly crap! $23 now, the last time I drove into Chicago it was $10 (1990 something when the autoshow was at Mc Cormick Place). I'll download the photo of the CTA pass when my phone is charged back up, I think it is more than a weekend pass and can be used at anytime. Hopefully the photo will tell. But if they don't have it at the LaSalle Station, no point then, just be sure to have exact change for bus and don't expect to get change back from bus either. A no change policy is in effect. So if you have a $20 and bus fare is $2.00 and you need to be on that bus, you loose $18.00 and don't expect sympathy from anyone on the bus or from the bus driver. Seen that a few times too, but  I usually take a taxi to where I need to go unless I am with someone who knows the bus route and which bus to get on to or transfer to. Not to mention those seats are uncomfortable!

[Chris]

CTA Bus Pass cost (not the greatest picture, should have checked to use 2 mp mode). I'll take it again this Thursday, July 10.

[paris]

Chris and Jess---Thank you!!      Ok--all of those going--give us some input re: transportation.  Maybe if we can talk about it now, we will have less time to worry about those details when we are in Chicago.  Input would be greatly appreciated.  Who wants to do what?  And go where?     Let's talk  

[rsood2004]

Just wondering if too late to get in on this meeting? Also wondering if Paddlebear from Dayton found a way yet? My husband and I would love to come and will be checking on it today but we will drive from Toledo Ohio and if Paddlebear and honey want to meet us in Toledo we can carpool (u better be nice and fun) Let me know! As soon as I figure out hotel avail and if hubby wants to go (he's at work) I will let you all know. Thanks

[flip]

I really don't care much about the activities. I just want to meet and visit with everyone.

[Sluff]

and eat.     

[paris]

Laurie, PLEASE come!  Tell your sweet RN husband that we really want you both to be there.  Meeting Sluff will make it worth you time!!  And I can't wait to meet Flip!  I do hope you can make the trip.  I look forward to meeting you in person.

[rsood2004]

Thanks Paris! I can't wait to meet all of you also! Everyone seems like sooooooooo much fun! Is there any other meeting time/place other than dinner on Sat? Is there actually a meeting? Or just use as excuse to get together? Ha ha tee hee (fine with me if so) I could use the break from reality! Couldn't we all? Talk to you soon.

[paris]

Hi Laurie, many of us are coming on Friday.  Saturday at 4 is the "official IHD dinner".  Most of us just want to be together and visit.  But there is a lot to do in Chicago for those who want to go sightseeing.  We will have some information available at the hotel.   I can not say enough how important it was for me to go to the meet in Vegas last year.  I came away with unbelievable friendships and partners in crime.    It will be much fun to see the person that goes with the name.   And our two Administrators will be there; Sluff and Okarol.   Have you found the info on the dinner?   Let us know if you have more questions.   PLEASE come.